Symptoms of ulcerative colitis

The severity of the symptoms varies, depending on how much of the rectum and colon is inflamed and how severe the inflammation is. For some people, the condition has a significant impact on their everyday lives.

Some may go for weeks or months with very mild symptoms, or none at all (known as remission), followed by periods where the symptoms are particularly troublesome (known as flare-ups or relapses).

When to seek medical advice

You should see your GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms of ulcerative colitis and you haven't been diagnosed with the condition. They can arrange blood or stool sample tests to help determine what may be causing your symptoms. If necessary, they can refer you to hospital for further tests.

Who is affected

It is estimated that around 1 in every 420 people living in the UK has ulcerative colitis; this amounts to around 146,000 people.

The condition can develop at any age, but is most often diagnosed between 15 and 25.

It's more common in white people of European descent (especially those descended from Ashkenazi Jewish communities) and black people. The condition is rarer in people of Asian background (although the reasons for this are unclear).

Both men and women seem to be equally affected by ulcerative colitis.

How ulcerative colitis is treated

Treatment for ulcerative colitis aims to relieve symptoms during a flare-up and prevent symptoms from returning (known as maintaining remission).

In most people, this is achieved by taking medication such as aminosalicylates (ASAs) and corticosteroids.

Mild to moderate flare-ups can usually be treated at home. However, more severe flare-ups need to be treated in hospital to reduce the risk of serious complications, such as gas becoming trapped inside the colon, which can lead to swelling.

If medications are ineffective at controlling your symptoms, or your quality of life is significantly affected by your condition, surgery to remove your colon may be an option.

During surgery, your small intestine will either be diverted out of an opening in your abdomen (known as an ileostomy), or it will be used to create an internal pouch that is connected to your anus (known as an ileo-anal pouch).

Nathalie Martin said on 02 March 2015

JBas said on 17 October 2013

Hi,

I have been suffering over the last 6 weeks with abdominal pains, fatigue, weight lost, constipation or diarrhoea, blood in my stools and put it down to stress.This Sunday I experienced severe abdominal pains that took my breath away which followed by nasty blood loss when I went to the toilet. I went to the GP the next day and been referred to the hospital on the two week rule with Cancer like symptoms.Following growing pain, I took myself to the hospital yesterday and was advised that I may have IBD as I'm too young (36) for bowel cancer or crohns and need to deal with the pain by taking paracetamol until my appointment which is next Friday as my bloods are fine, BP is OK and there is nothing they can do for me until then.I'm feeling drained, sore and struggling really what would any one suggest to take for the pain?

disgustinglyhealthy said on 25 November 2011

It would be useful to give information regarding treatments for this condition other than surgery.

Not only are there the standard NHS treatments for this auto-immune condition, but there are also many levels of self-treatment including diet and dietary supplements. Research into new medications could also be mentioned here. eg LDN (Low Dose Natrexone) is showing great promise for reversing the condition or for maintaining remission. LDN, unlike many standard treatments is side effect free and is very cheap.